UK Government To Support Boko Haram Victims - Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd. Rowan Williams, has pledged the assistance of the British government for Christians constantly being subjected to attacks by Boko haram, the Islamic fundamentalist sect.
Revd Williams, who gave the pledge against the backdrop of Christmas day killing of Christians at a Catholic Church at Madalla, Niger State, also charged Christian faithful in the country to renew their faith in Christ.
Williams, who spoke while presenting a letter of condolence to the Primate Church of Nigerian (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh in Abuja, said he would personally advocate and support the position of those who are living in fear of the ongoing violence.”
He promised to table the issue before the British authorities for necessary assistance, while condemning in totality the recent attack on Christian community by the sect. He assured Christians of continuing prayer by the Church in UK to advance the course of gospel in Nigeria.
The cleric said: “The news of the ongoing attacks by Boko Haram continues to be very disturbing. We have heard from the Bishop of Damaturu, via the Bishop of Hereford, how many Christians have fled the city in fear of their lives, although the Federal Government has urged people to remain in their own homes following a crucial security meeting.
“We are continuing to raise these issues with the government here in the United Kingdom, UK,” said Revd Williams in his letter read by his representative and Bishop of Durham, the Rt. Revd. Justin Welby.
The Archbishop noted that he was not surprised that the devil considered the church in Nigeria as one of his targets, maintaining that his presence in Nigeria was “to remind the Christian faithful of our greater common calling to bring people to Jesus Christ.”
Responding, the Primate reinstated that the decision by Christians to defend themselves, if the attack persisted was not to break law and order or go violent, but explained that the sporadic attack from Boko Haram had thrown the Church into the temptation of finding other ways to protect themselves.
He added that if the sect had any score to settle with the government, it should approach the government and leave the Church out of it.
He said: “To use Church to settle scores with government will certainly not be taken. The Church does not instigate hostility because you can not preach peace when you are fighting. It is not that Christians fear Boko Haram. But they are restrained by the fear of God.”
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